African Environmental Society Inauguration Begins in Abuja with Adoption of Statute, Election of Bureau
ABUJA, September 22, 2026 — The inauguration of the African Environmental Society (AES) has commenced in Abuja, bringing together environmental societies and representatives from across Africa to establish a continental platform for stronger environmental cooperation, knowledge exchange and sustainable development.
The two-day programme, hosted by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) in collaboration with the African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), is being held at the AU-STRC Headquarters in Abuja from September 22, 2026.
Participants at the inaugural programme are drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt and Sierra Leone, among other representatives involved in environmental governance and professional environmental organisations.
Day One of the programme focused on Governance and Foundation Building and was dedicated largely to establishing the institutional framework for the new African Environmental Society.
The session opened with remarks by the President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Dr. E.L. Okobia, followed by remarks from the Executive Director of the AU-STRC, Dr. Engr. Ahmed Hamdy. The opening session was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Kyari.
A major highlight of the day was the adoption of the African Environmental Society Statute, which provides the foundation for the establishment and operation of the continental environmental body.
The adopted framework describes AES as a non-profit association of national and regional environmental societies within African Union Member States. Its mandate includes safeguarding Africa’s environment, addressing emerging environmental challenges and promoting the effective use of the eco-economy as a tool for economic, cultural, social and technological development.
The statute also recognises major environmental challenges affecting the continent, including deforestation, desertification, soil degradation, air pollution, water pollution and climate change.
Another key activity was the election of the AES Bureau, marking an important step towards putting the society’s governance structure in place.
Participants also held discussions on the proposed AES Standing Committees and the location and functions of the AES Headquarters.
The founding document emphasises the need for a strong network of environmental experts, societies and agencies capable of providing sound and independent information, supporting environmental policy development and strengthening cooperation across Africa.
The official inauguration will take place on September 23 at Musa Yar’Adua Center Abuja, with participants expected to further deliberate on the development and operationalisation of the new continental environmental society.
The establishment of AES is expected to provide a platform through which environmental professionals and institutions across African countries can collaborate on common environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development and the aspirations of Agenda 2063
